Pittsburgh...this weekend one dinner and maybe one brunch

[coweepooh]

Sooo...going to be in town this weekend for one dinner on Saturday night with the boyfriend and some other football fans (for the Steelers v. Jaguars game) and wanted to hear suggestions on one yummy good meal in the Downtown area.

From reviews on this board and online thus far:

-Eleven
-Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
-Kaya
-Sonoma Grille
-Original Fish Market

I've been to the Original Fish Market a few times during my college days at CMU but was wondering how the other ones fared.

Also--may have time to squeeze in brunch/brunch buffet on Sunday before the game--any suggestions in the Downtown area or somewhere near the football stadium?

Thanks!!!

[yayadave]

Your dinner places look good. Of those, I'd do Sonoma Grill, which is right downtown on Penn Avenue. Not on you list is Nine on Nine, also on Penn Avenue, downtown, and is probably better than any on your list. Before the game, my first thought is Lidia's for brunch, but they don't open until 11:00. More like before game breakfast is Pamela's on 21st Street. It's a lot like a 1959 diner. Good breakfast, Tex-Mex omelet with chorizo and wonderful pancakes.

[Greyhoundgrrl]

I am lukewarm on most of the Downtown restaurants you mentioned except Kaya, so I will let those more informed than I give you advice on that meal.

For brunch, since you are already going to be on the North Side, I would hit Max's Allegheny Tavern for their German Wurst Brunch. It's as Pittsburgh as it gets, cheap, and good.
http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.a...

[42duffy]

I have no personal experience but if you all meat eaters and football fans...you may want to look into the North Shore new additions: Hyde Park and "The Bus" Bettis new restaurant with the "36" fetish!!! City Paper's Best New Restaurant is Muriel's
856 Western Ave North Side 412-322-0476 Dinner &/or Brunch???